Daniel Gookin 2x Signed Legal Doc, Plus Bonus Samuel Gookin Signature!

A manuscript document twice signed by Daniel Gookin (1612-1687), well-known public servant and military commander of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, as "Daniel Gookin," the first time at center left, and the second time at lower right. Also possibly signed by Samuel Gookin (1652-1730), Daniel's son, though if so Samuel would have been about 11 years old at the time. With the "marke" of William Knowles, the subject of the writ, at center right. November 10-18, 1663. N.p. Expected wear including light even toning, flattened folds, and minor chipped edges. Else very legible in a neat secretarial hand and near fine. The document, sight size measuring 7.375" x 5," is tipped into a larger cream mount measuring 8.625" x 5.75."

William Knowles pledged to pay the officials of Middlesex County in Massachusetts Bay Colony the sum of ten pounds, and to appear at the next court date.

In part, with original spelling and usage:

"These presente witnesseth that I willian knowles do bind + obledge myself + my Executors + adters (?) in the sume of tenn pounds to bee well + truly paid to the treasury of the county of middlesex…and to appeare at the next court to bee holden at Charlestowne in the county of middlesex to answer what shall be objected against mee by John Stedman or any other person in behalf of the county + in testimony whereof I have hereunto sett my hand the 10th of november 1663…" The postscript signed by Daniel Gookin below verified that John Stedman "bound in forty shillings to resolve in this case" on November 18, 1663.

After immigrating from Ireland to Virginia, ca. 1630, Daniel Gookin became an indentured servant, then prosperous landowner, and finally a member of the House of Burgesses. He relocated to the Boston area in 1644, quickly becoming an indispensable public servant who filled a number of positions. By 1652, Daniel Gookin had become one of eighteen magistrates tasked with overseeing colonial government. He served as a Selectman of Cambridge from 1660-1672, and acted as the first Superintendent of the Praying Indians. By 1681, Gookin was appointed Major-General, or the commander-in-chief of the military forces of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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